What Causes Stretch Marks and How Can I Get Rid of Them?

A stretch mark is a scar that forms on the body because of weight gain that stretches the tissue. They occur most often as a result of pregnancy, obesity, rapid weight changes (either gains or losses), or steroid use.

Stretch marks almost always resemble lines, and they may appear rippled and streaky. Ranging in color from red or pink to purpley-blue to thinner, blue, pale, more scar-like streaks over time, anyone can get stretch marks. We’ve seen stretch marks on a range of people from children who gain weight quickly to bodybuilders who have very little fat (they will appear when their muscles bulge). Kids who get them during puberty should be taught that this is a normal part of the growing process, and that their marks may fade as they get older.

Other risk factors for stretch marks include being female, having a family or personal history of stretch marks, having breast augmentation surgery or having Cushing’s/Marfan’s syndrome or other genetic disorders.

Be Proactive!

The best thing you can do when dealing with stretch marks is to focus on the ways in which you can help yourself. How do you do this? The number one thing you can do is maintain a healthy weight. If you are pregnant, you’ll gain weight over a relatively brief period, which is completely normal. You’ll want to speak with your doctor about foods to eat and workouts you can do that can keep you in the recommended weight gain category.

There are also special creams you can use in the morning and at night to help keep your skin smooth and free of stretch marks. One of the most widely used formulas is cocoa butter, which is usually blended with vitamin E, shea butter, and other powerful nutrients. Cocoa butter is helpful because it helps with skin elasticity and is able to stretch easier, which deters the formation of stretch marks.

I Have Stretch Marks, What Can I Do?

Don’t panic! There are products that can help, so start there. Creams that contain tretinoin (Retin-A) contain retinoid. They mainly work on fading newer stretch marks, but can cause your skin to become red, irritated, or scaly. If that occurs, you should discontinue use, and call us so we can come up with a new plan that will help you and keep your skin safe.

Collagen boosters, such as Stri-Vectin-SD and lupin seed extracts can increase collagen in the skin, but it isn’t known if they’ll work on stretch marks.

One study has shown that women who rubbed bitter almond oil into the skin on their bellies while pregnant had fewer stretch marks than those who did not.

All of these cream-based therapies can be purchased over-the-counter and done at home. If they fail to provide any relief, it would be best to contact our office.

What Can We Do to Help You?

Here at Amour Medical Aesthetics, our goal is to get you back to living your best life and feeling the best about your body as soon as possible. Our treatments are gentle but effective.

If you’re ready to get back to feeling like your best self, call our office today, or book an appointment online. We’re ready to help you!

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